Client Spotlight: A.C. & Moira

You all may recall that I’ve mentioned before I don’t take on wedding dress commissions. It’s not out of a dislike of weddings (I’ve had two of my own: one with the white dress and all the trimmings and one with just me, my love and my daughter at the justice of the peace). I merely find that there are others who specialize in nuptial-wear and so really no need for my skills.

And yet, I have found myself once again working on a wedding outfit commission, and like the last one, it is not your familiar white satin and lace affair.

Before we get to that commission, however, I have a long awaited (well at least for me) update on the wedding tux I made for A.C. last December. As a refresher, A.C. is non-binary, and wanted an outfit for their wedding that was a) fitting to their tastes and style b) included some traditional wedding motifs and c) could be worn to other occasions. I made them a white satin vest suit with lavender lapels. Well, A.C. just sent me photos of the ceremony featuring their suit and I must say they look absolutely fantastic. Behold the glory of wearing whatever the frak you want to your wedding:

A.C. looking fine in their white wedding tux. I love the mini top hat!

Another view of the tux. Look how comfortable and happy A.C. is! And their groom, John, is rocking his suit as well.

This is a bonus photo A.C. sent me of them at their reception. A.C. is wearing one of the skirts I made them. Check out the pockets!

I’m am thrilled with how the tux turned out and it made my day to get to see the pictures of the happy day.

Now, let’s turn to the next commission, another wedding outfit, for one of my dearest friends.

I’ve known Moira going on eight years. I met her at the second convention I ever vended at. She helped spread the word when I ran a fire sale on custom corsets to raise money to keep my house. We’ve vended together at various events, we bounce ideas off of each other, and we are supportive of each others’ goals as artists, crafters and women. So when Moira told me that she was getting married to her long-time partner (another wonderful person I am lucky to call my friend), and asked me if I was interested in making her wedding dress I said yes before she had even told me what she wanted.

This weekend Moira came over and we hashed out some of the details. Before I get into a break down of what I’ll be making for her, I want to make a slight detour and mention that this is the first time I’ve had a client over since we adopted our cats*. I learned quickly that cats will: lay down on open patterns you are trying to discuss, attack dangling tape measures when you are taking measurements, and monopolize the attention of your client if they give any indication of liking cats.

On to the dress: Moira brought in several patterns she had picked up for us to discuss. We narrowed it down to the one she and her groom liked best: McCall’s 7086.

As with A.C., Moira wants a dress that she could wear after the ceremony to other functions. I love the idea of practical wedding wear. (My dress from my first marriage is sitting in a box in my parents’ home.) I took measurements, set up two future appointments for a tissue fitting and a second fitting afterwards.

Then we discussed fabric. This was honestly the best part of the whole meeting because when Moira asked if I had any advice on patterns. “Maybe not stripes or plaids because they would be a nightmare to match with this pattern.” Anything else? Fair game. As long as she found a print she loved, I’d work with it. My reasoning is that one should wear what makes one feel fabulous. If that’s big prints? Awesome! And if anyone makes any noises about how the print resembles furniture, then you sit your fabulous self on that person and smother them because you don’t need that kind of negativity in your life.

At this point you might be wondering, “Are you going to add pockets to this dress?” And that’s how I know you are new to this blog. Of course I will be adding pockets to this dress. I personally view any pattern that omits pockets to be a design flaw that should have seen the pattern sent back for redrafting. But fashion rarely makes sense, which is why I and other sewists are here to make up for the mistakes of others.

I’ll update as work on this dress progresses. I also have a few other commissions that are in various stages of completion which I’ll post on in the coming months. In the meantime, I’ve got some pockets to insert.

*I realize I didn’t mention this before, but in January I had to put down Trixie. While I am not ready for another dog, the house was feeling empty without a furry presence, and so at the end of April we adopted two cats: Barley and Jake. We got them from the Humane Haven in Bolingbrook and the house has felt in balance once again.

Related Posts

Share this:

Published by

roach

roach (aka Raechel Henderson) is a dual class seamstress / shieldmaiden. She has sewn professionally since 2008. Over the years she has traveled around the Midwest region selling her handmade bags, skirts, coats and accessories at various events and conventions. Arachne hangs out in the window of her workshop reminding her to check the tension on the sewing machines. She writes about magic, creativity, living a life by one’s own life patterns, her family and books. Her first book, Sew Witchy, is due out December 2019 from Llewellyn.
View all posts by roach

2 thoughts on “Client Spotlight: A.C. & Moira”

Cats will get into everything! But somehow are cute enough to forgive them when they drag your knitting out of the yarn bowl on top of the shelf, drag it across the floor, chew it in half, eat, and subsequently puke it back up. Not that I’ve experienced that or anything (twice in a week). Good luck with the furry demons!

I, along with many other volunteers, helped care for both of these lovely cats at Humane Haven Animal Shelter (HHAS) before they were released for adoption. I speak only for myself but I can tell you that we all greatly enjoy seeing success stories like this; they highlight the important work the shelter does and show all the wonderful things that happen when somebody like you opens their home and their family to a pet (or two!) in need.

Thank you, so much, for warming my heart by posting a story of your interaction with our rescue animals as part of your business work. I wish you success and good fortune in your endeavors!